AU633818B2 - An electromagnetic suspension and propulsion system for a vehicle - Google Patents

Description

iW AUSTRALIA 3 3 I PATENTS ACT 1952 Form COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

FOR OFFICE USE Short Title: Int. Cl: Application Number: H Lodged: j Complete Specification-Lodged: Accepted: Lapsed: Published: Priority: SRelated Art: STO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT 1 KName of Applicant: Claus Georg MICHNA i Address of Applicant: 4 TOBY LANE KI BROOKFIELD CENTER CONNECTICUT 06804

USA

Actual Inventor: i Address for Service: GRIFFITH HACK CO., 601 St. Kilda Road, SMelbourne, Victoria 3004, V Australia.

Complete Specification for the invention entitled- "An JL Electromagnetic Suspension and Propulsion System for a Vehicle".

The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me:- "An Electromagnetic Suspension and Propulsion System for a Vehicle".

(D#1010) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention is related to wheeled-vehicles which move over waterless surfaces, including tracks, roads, etc. More particularly, this invention relates to a means, an electromagnetic device, for reducing the energy necessary to move a wheeled-vehicle, as oo o well as suspending and transferring the wheeled- 0o o 0 vehicle's weight from its axles to the electromagnetic 0 00 device.

0o 00 In the operation of all vehicles, there is a need .to reduce the wear and tear on them, as well as 0 00 o" the cost of their operation. For example, in the 0 0 operation of trucks (particularly trailer trucks) and So", automobiles, there are substantial costs in their maintenance and upkeep, as well as yearly road a repairs. This is also true for railroad cars and locomotives where there are always repair, maintenance and upkeep costs of the cars and locomotives, as well as the costs for the upkeep of the tracks, track beds and rails.

1y- D-1010 Also, overall, there is a need to reduce, or at least lessen, the energy costs for operation of the vehicles. The cost for running the vehicles keeps on rising with cost of energy, fuel, coal and the like. in this respect, there is a need to reduce the amount of energy necessary for the operation of the vehicles, and thus its cost.

There have not been any attempts of note to reduce the cost of operating vehicles or for reducing the cost of maintaining the roadways, railroad tracks, and the like.

o° There have, however, been magnet: means used oc o oa 0 00 0 in the operation of vehicles, For example, electro- 0o 0 0 magnetic means, devices have been utilized to c0 o0 0 0 attract and repel metal surfaces of all kinds. These electromagnetic devices have been used to attract the 0000 o o wheels of a vehicle to the tracks over which the O0 vehicle may be driven or propelled. In fact, such magnetic devices have been used on railway cars which are driven over and along an inclined track. In such case, the electromagnetic devices are strong enough to adhere the vehicle wheels to the surface of the tracks over which the vehicle is driven. The use of such electromagnets in this manner is quite expensive and 2 D-1010 not practical. The electromagnets are not able to be used to reduce the amount of energy necessary to move or drive a wheeled-vehicle and certainly the electromagnets have not been used to suspend or transfer the weight of the vehicle while moving over a surface and reduce the wear and tear, and eventually the life of a wheeled-vehicle.

Electromagnets have also been used in the operation of wheelless vehicles, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,791,309 and i" 3,951,074. In these cases, however, a special track or railroad had to be provided to accommodate the CC wheelless vehicles. The cost of such tracks and Srailway beds would be prohibitive in our present railway operation and such wheelless railway cars could not be adapted to our present track system.

It is an object of the present invention to attempt to alleviate at least one of the deficiencies in the above described prior art.

-i 3- (V T O0 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT SU.S. Patent No. 714,851 discloses a railway Scars which use a magnetic means to reduce the friction I incident to the movement of the cars along the tracks.

U.S. Patent No. 3,682,265 discloses a magnet vehicle supportedly adhered to and adapted to run over i an inclined wall surface of a structural member made l of strong magnetic material.

U.S. Patent No. 3,927,735 discloses a magnetic system for the contactless guidance of a S vehicle moving along a track with a plurality of I I i individual magnets on the vehicle disposed one behind the other in the travel direction of the vehicle.

i Patent No. 3,960,229 discloses a 4 motor-driven vehicle moveable by a chain belt which is carrying a series of electromagnetic pads. The pads, when energized, cause a strong electromagnetic force to be generated, enabling the vehicle to adhere to an inclined steel surface, such as a ship.

4 I- I e -I SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides an electromagnetic suspension and propulsion system for a vehicle comprising: an endless link belt forming a track connected with said vehicle and arranged to contact a surface over which said vehicle can move; a first and second series of magnets positioned on an inner surface of said link belt and arranged to simultaneously repel a third series of magnets suspended from the body of said vehicle, and a fourth series of magnets suspended from an axle of said vehicle; a drive track arranged between the first and second series of magnets and located on the inner surface of said link belt; a metal drive wheel rotatably connected to said axle and arranged to engage said drive track to move said link belt o on rotation of said drive wheel; and, an electric harness having a metal bar provided with 00 0 .o a groove extending about the peripheral edge of the metal bar C S. and attached to said wheel, and an electric wire harness rotatable about said metal bar in said groove in coordination with movement of the link belt, said electric harness being o arranged to conduct electrical energy from a vehicle power 0o 0~0, source to said magnet series positioned on the inner surface 00 of the link belt, whereby, when said series of magnets suspended from the vehicle body and said axle are energised, 1 the series of magnets arranged on the inner surface of the link belt are also energised to repel said suspended magnets, O thereby transferring the weight of said vehicle from the axle to said link belt and wherein rotation of said drive wheel causes rotation of said link belt to propel said vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and other objects of the present invention will become apparent when considering the drawings in conjunction with the detailed description of the present _invention provided below.

5 I r I The drawings are: FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an assembled electromagnetic single-wheeled track unit device of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an assembled electromagnetic double-wheeled track unit device of the present

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i o I r e o a 4 04 I 9 e 0 0 ro o *0 oe* F t .44..

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-6- 77 D-1010 FIG. 3 shows the separate parts of the double-wheeled track unit of FIG.2; FIG. 4A is a partial sectional view of the single-wheeled track unit of FIG.l; FIG. 4B is a partial sectional view of the double-wheeled track unit of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a side view of the electric wire harness to charge the magnets on the endless belt of the electromagnetic device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG. 6 is a partial rear view of the i, double-wheeled track unit of FIG. 2; FIG. 7A is a partial rear view of a railroad t *4 o track unit according to the present invention; 0 g FIG. 7B is a partial side view of the railroad tack unit shown in FIG. 7A; FIG. 8A is a partial rear view of the I electronic means for operation of retractable studs 4 within the electromagnetic device of FIGS. 1 and 2; I FIG. 8B shows the depressing bar arrangement of the electronic means of FIG. 8A; lr FIG. 8C illustrates the retractable studs of the electronic means of FIG. 8A, in their projected position; 7 7 D-1010 FIG. 9 is a side view of a single track unit having a runner incorporated therein according to the present invention; and FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the electromagnetic means arranged with the endless belt of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In describing' the present electromagnetic device, all components illustrated in the drawings are described as to purpose and function in the operation of the present electromagnetic device. Any components not shown in the drawings will be indicated as such.

As discussed above, the present electromagr 1 i: i::a a;" id r:"

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i -"il t t* I t i i I t( t ft II I I netic device is specifically designed and arranged to transfer and suspend the weight of wheeled-vehicles, as well as substantially reduce the energy and costs for operating the vehicles.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, electromagnetic devices (10) and (30) are illustrated, which devices 30) may be used on any wheeled-vehicle that travels over any waterless surface, desert, roads, railroad tracks, highways, etc.

8 i. rails D-1010 As shown in FIG. 1, the device (10) is made up of an endless link--belt (12) which has rubber pads (14) on the outer surface (15) and a first series of magnets (16) on the inner surface A drive wheel (28) is positioned and engaged on the inner surface (17) of the endless link-belt (12).

The link-belt's (12) path is directed around belt- forming wheels as shown in FIG. 3. The magnets (16) are energized by power generated through an electric harness which is electrically connected with the power source not shown) of the Svehicle.

St t Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6, a second S' series of magnets (54) are energized by power i generated through the electric harness (27) which is connected with the vehicle's power source (not l shown). In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a third (24) r t e and fourth (36) series of magnets are provided, which magnets (24) and (36) are energized through electric wires from the vehicle's power source through a tr attachment bars (18).

As can be understood, the electromagnetic device (10) is arranged to travel in a horizontal manner over surfaces which are generally flat, but may 9 I I I D-1010 move over inclined surfaces and tracks as described below. That is, a vehicle having the present electromagnetic device is able to move any distance without any restriction of the surface over which it is moved.

As shown in FIG. 1, the single-wheeled track unit (10) includes vehicle attachment bars (18) which is attaching rubber shock absorbers (22) and the third series of magnets (24) to the vehicle body. Also, wheel frames (20) are' provided to enclose the drive wheel (28) and belt-forming wheels (40) of the electromagnetic device 0 0 Referring to FIG. 2, a double-wheeled oo Go electromagnetic track unit (30) is shown. This unit 0 00 includes two drive wheels (32) and (34) along 00 with belt-forming wheels (40) as shown in FIG. 3. As 0 0 in the single-wheeled track unit (10) of FIG. 1, the double-wheeled track unit (30) includes the endless 0 0 Oo belt the rubber pads (14)7, the first series of magnets, the third series of magnets the ,attachment bars the wheel frames the shock absorbers and the electric harness (26).

As in FIG. 1, the second series of magnets (54) and the fourth series of magnets (36) are not shown in FIG. 2, but are illustrated in FIG. 3. Also, 10 t i;;;i.ir D-1010 there is a track unit enclosure (not shown) for both the single-wheeled (10) and double-wheeled (30) track units.

The various separated components of the electromagnetic device (30) are shown in detail in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 3, there is shown from the top the two halves of the unit (30) positioned in the middle of FIG. 3. When the various components are assembled, they are as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring specifically to FIG. 3, from the top, there are shown the attachment bar shock absorbers the fourth series of magnets (36), S° iniler electric wire harness the wheel frame drive wheels (32) and belt-forming wheels wheel frame belt-forming wheels wheel frame the endless link-belt rubber o.O pads the first series of magnets wheel frame drive wheels (32) and belt-forming o wheels wheel frame outer electric wire harness third series of magnets shock absorbers and attachment bar (18).

In FIG. 3, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the various wheels used in the electromagnetic 11 D-1010 device (30) includes the drive wheels (32) and (34) which engage the endless link- belt (12) to move the vehicle. Also, the belt-forming wheels (40) are shown which form the path that the link-belt (12) moves.

Moreover, the wheel frame (20) is provided to maintain the wheels' position during the movement of the vehicle.

FIG. 4A illustrates the top inside view of a single-wheeled track unit arrangement of the electromagnetic device (10) which has a single drive track (52) the first series of magnets (16) arranged on one o o side of the single drive track and the second oa series of magnets (54) on the other side.

In like manner, FIG. 4B illustrates the top o .e inside view of a double-wheeled track unit arrangement of electromagnetic device (30) which has two drive tracks (61) and where the first series of mago- nets (16) are positioned on one side of the respective ao e drive tracks (61) and and the second series of oft magnets (54) on the other side.

The electric harness (26) is illustrated in FIG. 5, and electric harness (27) not shown, are the means through which electric energy is provided for the first (16) and second (54) series of magnets (not 12 D-1010 shown). This electric energy is transmitted through coiled electrical wires (72) to each of the series of magnets (16) and The harnesses (26) and (27) are positioned on both sides of the wheel frames To each of the harnesses (26) and (27) there are metal harness bars (70) is attached by attachment bars (74).

In the metal bars (70) of each harness (26) and there is in- -lfd -irno-c in r-hi-h a electric wire harness rotates in coordination with the moving link-belt Each of the electric harnesses I (26) and (27) are arranged to conduct electrical energy from the vehicle power source (not shown) to S the first (16) and second (54) nagnet series positioned on the inner surface of the link-belt Thus, when the third (24) a-d fourth (36) ti. series of magnets suspended, respectively, from the

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1 ,vehicle body and axles are a ggm the first (16) and second (54) series of magnets arranged on the inner surface of the link-belt (12) are also energized to repel the suspended third (24) and fourth (36) series Sof magnets, whereby the vehicle weight is transferred from the axle to the link-belt (12) to suspend the 13 .9 D-1010 vehicle and reduce the energy necessary to move the vehicle.

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the electromagnetic device (30) as used in a truck or automo- bile. As shown, the drive wheels (32) and (34) are positioned in drive tracks (61) and (62) which are surrounded by wheel guards (63) and (64).

The link-belt (12) has the first series of magnets (16) which interact with the third series of magnets and has a second series of magnets (54) which interact with the fourth series of magnets The magnets (24) and (36) are suspended, respectively, from the vehicle body (75) and axle This is the means of transferring the vehicle's weight from the axle (76) to the link-belt (12).

Referring to FIG. 7A, a partial rear view of a railroad track unit (80) in arrangement with the present electromagnetic unit As shown, the railroad track unit (80) includes a solid steel belt (86) which serves as the core of the unit Also, the track unit (80) includes a magnetic de-sensitizer layer (84) to prevent magnetism entering the steel belt (86) from the first series (16) and second series (54) of magnets.. A drive wheel (92) is provided for 14 D-1010 movement of the track unit (80) on rail Axle (82) extends through the drive wheel (92) which electric harnesses (26) and (27) and harness coils (72) through which the electric energy is transmitted to the first series (16) and second series (54) of magnets.

The other components, for the purpose of clarity, of the unit (80) are not shown as illustrated for electromagnetic devices (10) and (30) shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

FIG. 7B illustrates a portion of the flexible steel belt (86).

A, s, Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, there is

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shown a mechanism, a bar attachment unit (100) for traction studs (116) for projecting and retracting 4 the 'studs (116) in the rubber pads (14) of the single-wheeled (10) and double-wheeled (30) track units, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The bar adjustment unit (100) is arranged (as shown in FIG. 8A) on the outside of the wheel frames to contact the stud pins (112) to project and I retract the studs (116) when needed.

The bar adjustment unit (100) shown in detail in FIG. 8B includes a portion of the wheel frame 15 D-1010 Iguiding rods (102), motors (104), and adjustment bar (106).

SWhen necessary, in winter weather, the vehicle operator energizes the motors (104) positioned on the adjustment bar (106) to lower the bar (106) to depress the stud pin (112) whereby the studs (116) are uniformly projected by stud plate (114) through the Srubber pads This lowering or raising of the bar (106) on the guide bars (102) may have the effect of a rack and pinion arrangement.

As shown in FIG. 8C, springs (118) are arranged around the studs (116) to retract them when Snot in use. The springs (118) are each enclosed in a housing (not shown).

i In all vehicles, there are at least one set I of drive wheels, wheels (32) and and there Smay be four or more sets on a trailer truck or j railroad car.

j Referring to FIG. 9, the core-link-belt unit S L (31) is shown which includes the core-link-belt (12) that has rubber pads (14) on its outer surface and the first series of magnets (16) on its inner surface. In this arrangement, runners (130) are substituted for one set of drive wheels (32) and (34) shown in FIG.

16 D-1010 2. These runners (130) are arranged within the endless belt (12) to provide stability of the vehicle operation. Belt-forming wheels (40) are provided as in unit (30) of FIG. 2 to form the path of the LJ core--link-belt (12).

I, In FIG. 10, there is a partial rear view of San electromagnetic track unit device (150) which has a i fully magnetic means for its operation. This track unit device (150) is similar to the single-wheeled unit (10) shown in FIG. 1 in arrangement, but does not have the drive wheel (28) of unit (10) or the runners ri (130) of FIG. 9. That is, the electromagnetic track ,i i unit device (150) is arranged within the endless link-belt (12) in a manner to replace the drive wheel (28) or drive wheels (32) and (34) of FIG. 2 and the runners (130) of FIG. 9. And, the track unit device (150) functions as a propelling and braking system for the overall electromagnetic device (10) of FIG. 1 and device (30) of FIG. 2. In order to secure the vehicle within the track unit device (150), guard rails (155) Sare provided on the outsides of the first series of magnets (16) and the second series of magnets (54).

In the fully magnetic device (150) shown in FIG. 10, there is provided similar to the device 17 :i ii D-1010 of FIG. 1, rubber pads the outside harness (26), the first series of magnets the third series of magnets shock absorbers wheel frame and the vehicle attachment bar Also shown in FIG. 10, but not in unit (10) of FIG. 1 are vehicle axle inside harness second series of magnets fourth series of magnets (36) and the single-wheeled drive track (52).

According to the present invention, the electromagnetic device of FIG. 1 FIG. 2 and FIG. 10 (150) may be arranged in combination to include the drive wheels (28, 32 and 34), the runners oc (130) and electromagnetic track device (150) in So, separate link-belts (12) on the same vehicle.

The present electromagnetic levitating devices (10) and (30) provide advantages for several groups, including governments, railroads, car and truck owners, insurance companies and airline companies. These advantages are set forth below in 0S o Table I.

0 18 18 91 l--iSI-- TABLE I POSSIBLE ADVANTAGES-SAVINGS A. Governments 1i. Less road damage because weight is distributed over a longer contact base.

2. Lesser claims against governments due to accidents caused by potholes, poor road conditions.

3. Cost savings and extending use of garbage dumps by eliminating dumping of tires.

B. Railroads 1. Reducing wear on roadbeds, because of weight i e, distribution, thereby saving on repair costs and also I funds for railroad ties by using wider spacing.

i 0 C. Automobile and Truck Owners 1. Tires are eliminated/only pads are being used.

2. No more tire repairs and retreads.

3. Balancing tires.

i Change from winter to summer tires.

Increased safety: By eliminating tire blowouts Better traction in winter driving Eliminating repairs or replacements of broken parts due to obstacles, poor road conditions or potholes: aa) Broken or cut tires bb) Damaged rims cc) Damaged or broken axles dd) Front end Eliminating accidents due to above road conditions.

!o i 19 7).

-I ~c i D. Airline Companies 1. Tire Blowouts.

2. Savings by eliminating tires.

Although the present invention may be modified by those skilled in the art, the present invention includes only that defined by the appended claims.

i 11 I rL i 20 O 1

Claims (6)

1. 2. The system according to claim 1 wherein said drive track is provided with a guard to maintain the drive wheel in said drive track. i: Li i
2. 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said link belt is provided with a plurality of pads on an outer surface thereof for contacting the surface on which the vehicle can move.
3. 4. The system according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of traction studs and a mechanism for extending said studs through said pads to engage said surface and for retracting said studs from said pads to disengage said surface. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a wheel frame for maintaining said wheel on said axle.
4. 6. A system according to claim i, further comprising a runner located in line with said drive wheel and disposed so as to engage said drive track.
5. 7. A system according to claim i, further comprising a second drive track, a second drive wheel arranged to engage said second drive track, and first and second runners, wherein said first and second runners are located in line with said drive wheel and said second drive wheel respectively and are lf disposed to engage said drive track and second drive track respectively.
6. 8. An electromagnetic suspension and propulsion system for a trac:ed vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any one or more of the accompanying drawings. Dated this 17th day of November, 1992. CLAUS GEORGE MICHNA By its Patent Attorneys: GRIFFITH HACK CO. Fellows Institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia. 22